Common Questions
Seeking out therapy is an individual decision. There are many reasons people decide to come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or another major transition. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of challenges.
At some point, everyone faces challenging situations. While perhaps you’ve navigated through other difficulties on your own in the past, seeking professional help may ease your process this time. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct destructive patterns, and overcome many of the challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
Psychotherapy provides numerous benefits. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and numerous other challenges. Therapy can offer you a fresh perspective on the problems you are facing. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotions
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving self-esteem
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. In order to gain the most from therapy you need to be an active participant, both during and between sessions.
Can medication be a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with a medical professional can help you determine what’s best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of treating only the symptoms, therapy can help you address many of the cause of distress and behavior patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist.
No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule which are required by law.
These exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or the abuse of a vulnerable or elderly adult. In this case, a therapist is required to make a report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Additionally, the therapist is required to notify the police if a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. If a client intends to harm herself or himself the therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken. If you have concerns about any of these matters surrounding confidentiality, it is important to speak openly with your therapist.